Luxury cruise line, Seabourn, has signed a deal for the construction of two new ultra-luxury expedition ships in partnership between shipbuilders T.Mariotti and Damen.  

As the cruise market continues to flourish, breaking records this year, Seabourn is adding two more ultra-luxury expedition ships to its expansive fleet. The cruise operator has signed a Letter of Intent with shipbuilders T.Mariotti and Damen, who will collaborate on the construction of the vessels under a common name Mariotti Damen Cruise.

The new ships are designed for the luxury expedition market and will include two submarines on board. Additionally, the cruise offering will take a professional expedition team comprised of experienced wilderness experts, scientists, historians and Zodiac operators. The delivery of the first ship is expected in June 2021, while the second ship is anticipated in May 2022.

“This is a ground-breaking moment for Seabourn and for luxury travellers, who will now find a new standard of authentic yet luxurious expedition adventures in new and amazing destinations few people will ever see,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn.

“The combination of immersive experience, fine accommodations and sumptuous amenities offered by these new ships builds on the success of our current product and further demonstrates our leadership as innovators as we continue offering the finest ultra-luxury cruises available.”

The ships will be 170 metres long with a gross weight of 23,000 tonnes. The vessels will add new capacity for Seabourn’s offerings in Antarctica, the Arctic and other exotic cruise destinations around the world. Each will feature 132 oceanfront veranda suites and will be home for up to 264 guests.

“Built to take luxury travellers to the most coveted places on the planet”

“It’s been amazing to watch the growth of our expedition-style experiences since our first sailing to Antarctica in 2013 through today, where we now offer the Ventures by Seabourn programme in a number of desirable destinations around the world,” said Robin West, vice president of Expedition Operations and Planning for Seabourn. “A year ago, we started developing the concept for this next chapter of our expedition story with dedicated ships built to take luxury travellers to the most coveted places on the planet and they will be thrilled to see these remote destinations in Seabourn style.”

Submarines, kayaks and inflatable boats

Since the vessels are designed for expedition travel, Seabourn has added submarines to be carried on its voyages. It will provide a view of the world underneath the surface and give guests a unique experience. The ships will also be designed to carry a complement of kayaks, and 24 Zodiac inflatable boats, which have operated in select destinations around the world.

The design and service details for the new ships will be announced later this year. The first ship is currently planned to sail in the Arctic in the summer of 2021, with a full winter season in Antarctica to follow.